Top Hat Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary – Mike Moran

You could say that Mike Moran was born into the world of dry cleaning. He was just two when his parents, Mike Snr and Pat, opened the first Top Hat in Kingsley Road, Hounslow in 1967. Most appropriately, given this year marks the 50th anniversary of the family business, Mike recently won Drycleaner of the Year at the Laundry and Cleaning News awards: ‘That was a nationwide competition, so I was chuffed about it,’ he says proudly.

Mike’s father started working at the Welcome Laundry in Isleworth and then Reliable Cleaners in Feltham while still at school. So, by the time he left, Mike Sir was already an ‘old hand’ and ready to launch his own venture. He was joined by his wife Pat and together they built a successful chain of dry cleaners, opening eight Top Hat outlets in all. Mike and his brother Paul completed their apprenticeships in the industry and, in 1984, Mike took over the operation from his parents.

In 2014 he opened the Top Hat branch at the Ravenscourt Park end of King Street (open 7am-6pm Mon-Fri and 9am-5pm Sat). ‘The full-service laundry, which is in the
basement, is run by my cousin Steve – he’s been in the trade for 35 years – and John, who is equally experienced, manages the upstairs receiving shop,’ explains Mike.

‘We’ve invested heavily in the latest state-ofthe-art equipment and machinery and that allows us to process all our laundry in-house and to provide “wet clean” services suited to items such as raincoats. Equally, our top-quality presses and ironing tables allow us to deliver the best finish possible for shirts and linens.’

All the dry-cleaning, alterations and repairs are taken to Top Hat’s Chiswick branch in Devonshire Road (Mike does regular runs between the two branches to ensure prompt delivery). ‘In the dry cleaning industry, it’s rare to have our team’s level of knowledge,’ he says. ‘We can look at anything, be sure what the material is and know how to treat it.’ Here’s to Top Hat’s next 50 years!

About Editor

KEEP THINGS LOCAL MAGAZINES

KEEP THINGS LOCAL IS A MEDIA BUSINESS WITH A UNIQUE LOCAL FOCUS

The company publishes four flagship magazines (Chelsea Locals, Chiswick Locals, Richmond Locals and Hammersmith Locals) with more launches planned in London and across the UK. The prime focus of each of these quarterly magazines is to showcase and support the independent traders and small businesses who do so much to give these areas their individual retail character and community spirit. This is achieved through dedicated advertorials which are written, designed and photographed by an experienced team lead by Neil McKelvie.

In every issue, these advertorials are complemented by feature articles which turn the spotlight on different aspects of neighbourhood life and interviews with notable local figures.In addition to appearing in the magazines, every advertorial is also published in the Keep Things Local newsletters, on the website and on social media. Get in touch to be featured in our Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring issues.

Meet the Locals

Abbas Ali is the new co-owner and pharmacist at one of Chiswick’s longest established businesses There’s a new face behind the counter at the West London Pharmacy. Abbas Ali has recently taken over as the pharmacist (he’s also the co-owner with his father, Sabir) and he’s conscious that he has taken the reins of a Chiswick institution. ‘The previous owner, Mr Amin, was very well liked. He’s a family friend and when he mentioned that he was retiring after 37 years, we didn’t hesitate – it was a fantastic opportunity for us.’

Step off the stressful daily treadmill and indulge yourself at The Cove Spa ‘Our philosophy is quite simple,’ reveals Vikee Patel, Director of The Cove Spa on the High Road. ‘We create a tranquil environment in which experienced therapists can deliver a first-class personal service that achieves results. We aim to exceed expectations.’

Dr Hala Health and Beauty Clinic: Look Good And Feel Fabulous – The best products, the latest technological equipment and friendly professional therapists… Dr Hala Mahfoud and her team provide high quality specialist health and beauty treatments

Toby Walker started learning the violin aged five and Charlotte Clemson at three. Both are proud ‘Suzuki kids’ – they followed the teaching philosophy of Dr Shinichi Suzuki – and they have now opened a Suzuki school at the Rocks Lane Multi-Sports Centre in Chiswick. Dr Suzuki developed a unique method that enables children to play to their best ability while absorbing key life skills at the same time. ‘Children start young (three-plus) when skills are easily mastered and they learn in a natural way by listening and repeating,’ explains Toby. ‘Lessons are on a one-to-one and group basis; making music is about communicating, so playing socially from the beginning is vital.’